Chinese influences at the Met Ball

One of the most prestigious events on the fashion calendar, the Met Ball, takes place in New York on Monday. Co-hosted by Anna Wintour and, this year, the actress Gong Li, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual fundraiser is one of the most documented social events of the year, and its attendees a finely edited assembly of actors, models, designers and music stars. Tickets ($25,000 for paying guests) sold out in minutes.

The ball always takes its theme from the Costume Institute's exhibition, and this year's show, "China: Through the Looking Glass", is a timely reminder of the country's new status as the world's largest economy and its vast commercial clout. Chinese influences were found throughout the AW15 collections. At Just Cavalli, a dragon snaked up bias-cut dresses; at Valentino, the mythical beast reappeared as a fiery bolt of colour. At Alexander McQueen, fiery red feathers transformed a cheongsam-collared crimson gown.

Did designers deliberately present "Met appropriate" gowns? "The gala is the biggest event of the year," says stylist Erin Walsh, who dresses Sarah Jessica Parker for events. "Designers would be crazy not to be mindful of it."

The ball is the first opportunity for designers to showcase the next season's gowns, as most spring/summer looks have been exhausted by the awards season. "Not only that," says Walsh, "but there are versions of spring/summer in store now for everyone to buy. The Met Ball requires something more elevated - something special."

Many of the attendees will have been guided about what to wear by Wintour herself. The US Vogue editor advises guests on their gown and arranges fittings. What should we expect this year? "Red and brocade, and tassel details," says Walsh, though as for what Parker will be wearing, she won't say. "I'm mindful of the theme," she says. "We've done our research."

Photographs: Catwalking.com

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